Seward Highway Road Trip:
Complete Scenic Drive Guide

Seward Highway Road Trip: Complete Scenic Drive Guide was originally published in 2026

The Seward Highway is one of Alaska’s classic road trips, and honestly, it would be a crime to treat it as nothing more than a way to get from Anchorage to Seward.

The 127-mile highway cuts through some of Southcentral Alaska’s most dramatic scenery, beginning along the tidal flats of Turnagain Arm before climbing through the Chugach Mountains and crossing the Kenai Peninsula toward the coastal town of Seward. The route is designated as both an Alaska Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, and the scenery changes constantly along the way.

I’ve driven this stretch of road enough times to know that the biggest mistake is rushing it as a tourist. You can technically drive from Anchorage to Seward in a couple of hours, but with mountain viewpoints, wildlife, waterfalls, hiking trails, glaciers, and little side trips competing for your attention, you’ll want considerably longer.

This Seward Highway road trip guide covers the best stops along the route, how long to allow, where to hike, worthwhile detours, and how to plan your drive.

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Seward Highway Road Trip at a Glance

Detail	Information
Route	Anchorage to Seward
Distance	127 miles
Highway numbers	Alaska Route 1 to Tern Lake, then Alaska Route 9 to Seward
Driving time	About 2.5 to 3 hours without stops
Recommended time	1 full day minimum
Best season	May through September
Best for	Scenery, hiking, wildlife, glaciers and road trips
Major stops	Turnagain Arm, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Moose Pass, Kenai Lake and Seward
Side trips	Whittier, Hope and Portage Valley

How Long Does the Seward Highway Road Trip Take?

If you drive directly from Anchorage to Seward, allow around two and a half to three hours in normal conditions without any stops.

For a proper Seward Highway road trip, I recommend allowing at least one full day to have time to explore the scenic viewpoints and sightsee.

A rushed itinerary could look like:

Anchorage → Turnagain Arm → Girdwood → Portage → Turnagain Pass → Moose Pass → Seward

A better version gives you time for viewpoints, short hikes, and a couple of longer stops.

If you have two or three days, even better. You can overnight in Girdwood, Cooper Landing or Seward and explore some of the side roads and trails without constantly watching the clock.

Best Time for a Seward Highway Road Trip

The most popular time for a Seward Highway road trip is summer, particularly from June through August.

This is when you’ll have long daylight hours, generally better driving conditions, open attractions and the widest range of hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

May

May can be a fantastic time to visit because the highway is quieter and spring is arriving, although conditions can still be variable.

June to August

This is the busiest period, but there’s a reason. Long daylight hours make it much easier to combine scenic stops, hikes and excursions.

Book accommodation and popular activities ahead of time during peak summer.

September

September is one of my favorite times to drive in Alaska. Fall colors can transform the mountains, crowds thin out and the landscape starts shifting toward autumn.

Weather becomes less predictable, though, so check conditions before setting out.

Winter

The Seward Highway remains an important year-round route, but winter driving is a completely different experience. Snow, ice, reduced daylight and mountain weather can make the trip significantly more challenging.

Check current road conditions before driving.

Seward Highway Road Conditions

Before starting your drive, check Alaska 511 for current road conditions, construction, incidents, closures and traffic information. The system also provides road cameras and information about mountain passes.

If you are visiting from outside of Alaska, shop for the best prices on rental cars. You do not need 4WD or a vehicle with high clearance if driving in the summer. Road conditions can be variable to absolutely terrifying in winter, so check conditions ahead of time.

Best Stops on the Seward Highway

Potter Marsh

Mile 117

Potter Marsh is the first major stop when driving south from Anchorage.

A short boardwalk crosses the wetlands, giving you views over the marsh toward the Chugach Mountains. It is particularly good for birdwatching during migration season, when species including swans and Arctic terns can be seen.

It’s also an easy introduction to what makes this road trip so good. You’re just on the fringe of Anchorage and already surrounded by mountains and wildlife.

Allow: 20-30 minutes

McHugh Creek

Mile 111.5

McHugh Creek Recreation Area is a convenient stop along the Seward Highway. The area is known for its waterfall, forested trails and picnic spots, making it an easy place to stretch your legs during a Seward Highway road trip. The short walk to McHugh Creek Falls is particularly worthwhile, while longer trails climb into the surrounding Chugach Mountains for more ambitious hikers. Of course, longer hikes connect here, such as to Rabbit Lake.

Allow: 10 minutes

Watch for Dall sheep

Keep your eyes on the rocky slopes above the highway between McHugh Creek and Girdwood. Dall sheep are regularly spotted along the mountains around Turnagain Arm.

They’re surprisingly easy to miss until someone suddenly yells, “SHEEP!” and everyone in the vehicle starts frantically scanning the mountains.

Beluga Point

Mile 110.3

Beluga Point is one of the classic roadside viewpoints along the Seward Highway.

The pullout overlooks Turnagain Arm, with steep mountains rising immediately from the opposite side of the water. Keep an eye on the tidal flats for wildlife, particularly during the warmer months.

Despite the name, you can’t always expect belugas to show up on command. That said, beluga whales can be spotted along Cook Inlet from the Turnagain Arm area, particularly in August and September, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Allow: 10-20 minutes

Bird Creek & Bird Ridge Trailhead

Mile 101

Bird Creek, which flows through a forested valley toward Turnagain Arm, is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, with trails leading into the surrounding mountains. The popular hike to Bird Ridge is accessible from the Bird Creek Parking Lot.

Bird Ridge Hike

The hike to Bird Ridge is strenous and steep but offers excellent views over Cook Inlet. The hike is about 5 miles out-and-back and takes about 5-6 hours to complete.

Allow: 10-20 minutes if just visiting Bird Creek

Bird Point

Mile 96.5

Bird Point is another excellent viewpoint along Turnagain Arm.

There’s a large pullout with panoramic views across the water and toward the surrounding mountains. Interpretive signs explain some of the area’s natural history, and trails connect Bird Point with Girdwood as part of the popular Bird to Gird route.

If you’re driving the Seward Highway with limited time, this is one of the stops I’d prioritize.

Allow: 20 minutes

Girdwood

Mile 90

Girdwood is an easy place to turn a scenic drive into a proper day out.

The small mountain community is home to Alyeska Resort and has hiking trails, restaurants, accommodation, and access to outdoor activities. It’s also a useful place to stop for food or coffee before continuing south.

If you have more time, consider spending a night here rather than trying to cram the entire Seward Highway into one day.

Things to do in Girdwood

• Hike to Virgin Creek Falls
• Ride the Alyeska tram
• Visit Crow Creek Mine
• Eat lunch in town
• Explore the surrounding Chugach Mountains
• Walk or bike part of the Bird to Gird Trail

Girdwood is also a good base if you want to explore the Turnagain Arm area at a slower pace.

Where to Stay in Girdwood

Midrange
Alyeska Resort
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Splurge
Alyeska Cabin
| Booking.com |

Allow: 1-2 hours or longer.

Portage Townsite Ruins

Mile 78

While there is not much left of it, there are the remnants of a handful of the homes and buildings of the original town of Portage. Portage was completely decimated by the 9.2 1964 Earthquake. The town was subsequently moved, but ruins of the old town remain.

The ruins are located on the opposite side of Seward Highway from the Portage Whistle Stop Train Station to Spencer Glacier.

Allow: 20 minutes.

Portage Valley

Mile 79

One of the great detours from the Seward Highway is Portage Valley.

Turn onto Portage Glacier Road and follow it toward the mountains. The six-mile valley contains the roadside Trail of Blue Ice, viewpoints, waterfalls, glaciers, and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.

The road eventually reaches the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center on Portage Lake. Those wanting to get a better view of Portage Glacier can take a glacier cruise during the summer.

Portage is one of the easiest places near Anchorage to get close to a glacier, and the short detour makes it particularly convenient to add to a Seward Highway road trip.

Another nearby glacier that can be accessed by a short hike is Byron Glacier.

Allow: 1-3 hours for a quick visit, longer if you’re hiking or taking a cruise.

Whittier Side Trip

If you have extra time, you can combine your Seward Highway road trip with a detour to Whittier.

Whittier sits on Prince William Sound and is surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers.

Getting there requires passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which operates as a combined road and rail tunnel. The cost to go through the tunnel to Whittier is $11 per car.

The Whittier tunnel is located at the end of Portage Valley.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Mile 79

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is an easy stop on the Seward Highway near the entrance to Portage Valley. The 200-acre center provides care for Alaska wildlife that cannot be released into the wild, including bears, moose, musk oxen, bison, elk, wolves and caribou.

You can drive or walk around the grounds to see the animals in large, natural-looking enclosures, making this a particularly worthwhile stop if you’re traveling with kids or haven’t had much luck spotting wildlife along the highway.

Allow: 1-2 hours if stopping.

Turnagain Pass

Mile 70

After leaving the coastal scenery around Turnagain Arm, the Seward Highway climbs into the Kenai Mountains.

Turnagain Pass is one of the best places to stop and appreciate how dramatically the landscape changes.

Instead of tidal flats and coastal mountains, you’re surrounded by high alpine terrain. In summer, wildflowers brighten the hillsides, while winter transforms the area into a major backcountry recreation zone.

There are also several hiking opportunities around the pass.

Allow: 15-30 minutes for a viewpoint stop, longer for hiking.

Johnson Pass

Mile 64

If hiking is a major reason you’re driving the Seward Highway, put Johnson Pass on your list.

The Johnson Pass Trail follows part of the historic Iditarod Trail and stretches for roughly 23 miles between its northern and southern trailheads. You don’t need to hike the entire thing, obviously. Shorter outings can give you a taste of the landscape without committing to a multi-day adventure.

For serious hikers, Johnson Pass is one of the better opportunities to get away from the road and into the Kenai Mountains.

Note: The full Johnson Pass hike is 23 miles, most will complete the hike in 2-3 days.

Hope Junction

Mile 56.4

At Hope Junction, you can make a side trip to the historic community of Hope.

Hope was established as a gold-mining town in the 1890s and sits on the southern shore of Turnagain Arm. Several historic buildings remain, giving the community a completely different atmosphere from the more developed tourist stops along the highway.

The detour is especially worthwhile if you like Alaska’s mining history and smaller communities.

The town of Hope is about 17 miles from Hope Junction on the Seward Highway. The detour will add about 30 minutes driving each way.

Summit Lake

Mile 47

As the highway continues south, you’ll reach Summit Lake, where the scenery takes on a distinctly alpine character.

The lake is surrounded by mountains and is particularly pretty when the surrounding slopes are green in summer.

It’s an easy roadside stop and a good place to stretch your legs after driving through the mountain section of the highway.

Tern Lake

Mile 37

Tern Lake marks an important point on the route.

Here, the Seward Highway meets the Sterling Highway. If you’re continuing toward Seward, stay on Alaska Route 9. If you’re heading toward Cooper Landing, Soldotna, or Homer, you’ll transition onto the Sterling Highway.

Tern Lake itself is also worth a quick stop, particularly if you’re interested in wildlife and photography.

Moose Pass

Mile 29

Moose Pass is one of the small communities you’ll pass on the final stretch toward Seward.

Despite its tiny size, it’s a useful stop for food, fuel, and a break from driving.

The area around Moose Pass also gives you access to Trail Lake and Upper Trail Lake, along with hiking and other outdoor activities.

From here, you’re getting close to Seward, but don’t put the camera away yet. The scenery is still excellent.

Kenai Lake

Mile 17-24

One of the most beautiful sections of the southern Seward Highway runs alongside Kenai Lake.

The glacial lake has an intense turquoise color caused by fine sediment suspended in the water. Mountains rise directly around the lake, creating some of those classic Alaska road-trip views that make you want to pull over every five minutes.

And yes, you should probably pull over at least a few times.

Exit Glacier

Mile 3.5

Another brief detour from the Seward Highway is to visit Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Continue along Exit Glacier Road/Herman Leirer Road to reach one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

Exit Glacier is part of Kenai Fjords National Park and is the only section of the park accessible by road. From the Seward Highway, Exit Glacier Road runs roughly eight miles toward the visitor area.

There are several trails, ranging from easy walks to the challenging Harding Icefield Trail.

If you’ve driven all the way from Anchorage, this is a pretty spectacular way to finish the journey.

Seward

Mile 0

The road eventually ends in Seward, a small coastal town sitting between Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Mountains.

Seward is much more than the endpoint of the highway. It’s one of the best bases in Southcentral Alaska for exploring the coast and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Things to do in Seward

• Kenai Fjords cruises
• Whale watching
• Glacier viewing
• Sea kayaking
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center
• Exploring the Seward waterfront
• Hiking Mount Marathon

If you have time, spend at least one night in Seward. A day trip from Anchorage is possible, but staying overnight gives you considerably more flexibility.

Where to Stay in Seward

Budget
Camping
| Cityofseward.us |

Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Midrange

Hotel Seward
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Splurge
Harbor 360 Hotel
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |

Seward Windsong Lodge
| Hotels.com |

Orca Island Cabins
| Booking.com | Expedia.com |

Seward Highway Road Trip Map

Seward Highway Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have one day, here’s how I’d structure the drive.

Morning

Anchorage → Potter Marsh → Beluga Point → Bird Point → Girdwood

Leave Anchorage early and take your time along Turnagain Arm.

Stop at Potter Marsh for wildlife, then continue south with stops at the major viewpoints.

Have breakfast or coffee in Girdwood.

Late morning

Girdwood → Portage Valley

Take the Portage Glacier Road detour.

Depending on your schedule, visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, hike one of the nearby trails or take a glacier cruise.

Afternoon

Portage → Turnagain Pass → Summit Lake → Moose Pass → Kenai Lake → Seward

This is where I’d resist the temptation to stop at absolutely everything.

Pick a few viewpoints, stretch your legs at Turnagain Pass, then continue south toward Seward.

Evening

Seward

Have dinner in town and spend the night.

If you arrive early enough, walk along the waterfront and enjoy the mountains around Resurrection Bay.

Two Day Seward Highway Road Trip

With two days, you can slow the whole thing down.

Day 1

Anchorage → Turnagain Arm → Girdwood → Portage → Whittier

Spend the night in Whittier or return to Girdwood.

Day 2

Girdwood → Turnagain Pass → Moose Pass → Kenai Lake → Seward

Spend the afternoon exploring Seward and visit Exit Glacier if you have time.

An even better option is to spend the night in Seward and dedicate the following day to a Kenai Fjords cruise.

Tips for Driving the Seward Highway

Leave early

An early start gives you more time for stops and can help you beat some of the summer traffic.

Don’t underestimate the wildlife

Moose, Dall sheep, eagles, beluga whales and other wildlife can be spotted along the route. Never stop in an unsafe location just because you see an animal.

Use the pullouts

The highway has numerous designated viewpoints. Use them rather than pulling onto the shoulder wherever the scenery looks good.

Trust me, the scenery will still be there 500 feet later.

Fill up before leaving Anchorage

There are places to get fuel along the way, but starting with a full tank gives you more flexibility, particularly if you’re making side trips.

Bring layers

Even on a warm summer day, conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Rain gear and extra layers belong in the car.

Don’t plan every minute

The best part of a Seward Highway road trip is often the random stop you didn’t plan.

Leave some breathing room in your itinerary.

Is the Seward Highway Worth Driving?

The Seward Highway packs an absurd amount of Alaska into 127 miles. You get tidal flats, coastal mountains, glaciers, alpine passes, turquoise lakes, forests, wildlife and historic communities, all on one road.

What makes the drive especially good is how quickly the scenery changes. You leave Anchorage surrounded by city and wetlands, follow the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, climb into the Kenai Mountains and eventually descend toward the coastal town of Seward.

And unlike some Alaska destinations that require a flight, ferry or serious expedition planning, this one is remarkably accessible.

If you only have time for one road trip from Anchorage, I’d put the Seward Highway road trip very high on the list.

Have Any Questions About Driving the Seward Highway?

Ask in the comments section below.

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